Patricia (Patty) Freeman, M.S., CCC-SLP/L is a Speech/Language Pathologist that specializes in oral-motor and feeding disorders. She graduated with her Master’s of Science from Southern Illinois University. Patty has worked in a variety of settings with adults and pediatrics, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, private practice, contract agencies, and schools. Patty is currently employed in a large school district. She is also the owner of Freeman Speech Therapy, PLLC. Patty is the creator and founder of one of the only school-based oral-motor and feeding programs in Illinois. In 2019, Patty was nominated for Kane County Educator of the year. She has earned seven ACE awards (Award for Continuing Education) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Patty has focused much of her continuing education work on oral-motor, feeding, and myofunctional therapy. Patty is extremely passionate about treating myofunctional disorders and has had personal experience working with a network of providers in her area. Patty, her husband, and two daughters, have completed myofunctional programs and received care from an airway focused ENT, orthodontist, and body workers. 

Emma Gentile, M.S., CCC-SLP/L graduated from Midwestern University with her Master’s of Science in Speech/Language Pathology. She is a Speech/Language Pathologist and provider of myofunctional therapy. She works in the public school setting and is passionate about advocating for students with speech and feeding needs. Emma owns her own private practice, Gentile Speech Therapy, PLLC, where she enjoys helping individuals of all ages with dysphagia and speech sound disorders. Emma is a world champion equestrian and has been able to study the connection between horse and rider on her own myofunctional journey!

Patty and Emma are truly a dynamic duo! Their families have been friends since 2007. Once Emma completed her degrees and became a Speech/Language Pathologist, their professional journey began. Together, Patty and Emma have successfully implemented Emily Homer’s Feeding Protocol and several Talk Tools Programs in large public school districts. These presenters evaluate and treat students who have oral-motor, feeding, and myofunctional disorders. They have trained parents and worked collaboratively with hundreds of speech/language pathologists and interdisciplinary teams to effectively coordinate care for students. Patty and Emma have created and presented multiple inservice and training sessions. In order to successfully coordinate the highest level of evidence-based care for students, they have developed their own protocols, forms, and programming. Together, Patty and Emma bring a refreshing insight to the topic of oral-motor and feeding with their combination of wisdom and a modern perspective!